Airlines

One has to move with the times ! In an increasingly connected world, and just one month after the U.S., the European Commission has authorized the use of electronic devices on board aircraft during all phases of flight, including take-off and landing; but beware, some restrictions do still apply !
 

As from today, 9th., December, American Airlines and U.S. Airways are now a single entity. An amicable settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice having been found, the new American Airlines thus becomes the world's No. 1 in the industry... 
 

The latest Turkish Airlines' "Widen your horizon" advertising spot stars basketball player Kobe Bryant and footballer Lionel Messi. 200 people in Russia, China, the Maldives and Thailand took part in the filming of this Ad, which is broadcast in 170 countries and 20 different languages.
 

Emirates has just launched a new A380 route lasting over 16 hours between Dubai and Los Angeles on December 2. It is today the longest regular commercial flight in the world.
 

On November 18 at Düsseldorf airport in Germany, Christmas started a little early - Air Berlin brought out their "Santa Claus" team, just as it has done since 2011, all to put a smile on the faces of the young and... WATCH THE VIDEO
 

170 billion dollars’ worth of orders were placed by the Gulf airlines at the Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates for a total of almost 500 mainly long-haul aircraft… WATCH THE VIDEO
 

Despite opposition from air traffic professionals, the French National Assembly voted a 12.7% increase on the solidarity tax for air fares on 6th., November. It comes into force on 1st., April 2014. To learn more, watch this video made on 9th., September.
 

This is what is really meant by "creating a buzz". With its new safety video, Virgin America recorded more than 5 million views on the Net in just one week! And with reason - this musical clip, the first of its kind, lacks neither pace nor originality. Come with us for a look behind the scenes…
 

Watch this new five-minute music clip from Virgin America which replaces the 2007 version and shown onboard since 1 November. In just one week it totaled more than 5 million views on the internet !
 

This video, sent to us by Kevin (London - UK), was taken from an aircraft taking-off at London Heathrow Airport. Magnificent views then follow of the surrounding countryside. Many thanks Kevin. You too could send us your videos by clicking on the tab below.
 

Wishing to rejuvenate its image, Iberia has changed its logo following a survey of 9,000 people to determine what it should look like. The first aircraft to fly with the new livery will be an A330 in mid-November and 76 other aircraft in the fleet are due to carry the new logo within the next few months. Here is a video made by Iberia for the occasion...
 

The European Parliament has just approved the revision of pilots’ and crews’ duty flight times as proposed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); however these new rules destined to increase flight safety within the E.U. have attracted the wrath of pilot unions.
 

More than half of Britain’s airline pilots have fallen asleep in the cockpit according to a recent poll of 500 pilots commissioned by the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA). The survey came ahead of a vote in the European parliament on 9th October on proposals to set out maximum working hours for pilots and other airline staff. We spoke to Piers Applegarth, BALPA spokesperson.
 

As part of their “Transform 2015” plan which aims at regaining their competitivity, the CEO of Air France, Frédéric Gagey, presented a new voluntary redundancy plan concerning 1,800 ground staff positions to a works committee on 4th October.
 

At a time when Air France is planning to reduce its workforce by 2,800 jobs next year, the company has unveiled a new offer for its economy class. Meals, audiovisual content, seats, everything has been redesigned.
 

Lufthansa is back into Oktoberfest time. On the occasion of the German beer festival which begins this year on September 21, some of the national airline crews have already begun their 31st. Bavarian ! And it's not the only surprise in reserve for passengers !
 

With the first successful flight of the CS100, on September 16 at Mirabel in Canada, the future Swiss acquisition is now at hand. The Swiss company has ordered a total of 30 CS-100’s.
 

Announced in February, the U.S. Airways / American Airlines merger has been blocked since this summer by a complaint from the American Department of Justice ( together with other interested parties ) for the probable "lessening of competition"! It will therefore be up to the courts to decide on the marriage of the two giants. A short overview follows...
 

Established in 2006 to fight against pandemic illnesses in developing countries, the solidarity tax on airline tickets or "tax Chirac " doesn’t come cheap, particularly for French companies. So its announced increase of over 12% in 2014 is getting a lot people’s backs up !